Since the dawn of cinema, it has been customary to have a male protagonist and supporting characters. On the other hand, female supporting characters are now given more bold, strong, and diverse plot arcs that inspire people, particularly young women. These films' ladies arebreaking barriers as symbols of power; in some cases, they outshine the leading male and take on the role of an unofficial female protagonist.
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While there are several exceptional leading female characters in cinema history, this article will exclusively praise ten brilliant supporting female characters who flourish in male-dominated films and television shows.
Dinah Madani -The Punisher
Dinah Madani is a Persian-American Homeland Security agent initially presented and produced exclusively for Marvel’sThe Punisherseries. The series begins with her returning from Afghanistan and discreetly conducting an investigation into a military cover-up with the reluctant assistance of the titular character, Frank Castle, despite her superior’s warning.
Madani, played byAmber Rose Revah, is as brilliant, courageous, resilient, and strong as any male she’s ever encountered on the screen. Madani also depicts a magnificent example ofendurance in the face of tragedy, from the murder of her partner to her manipulative relationship with Billy Russo. Madani is an unstoppable force of nature on her quest for inner peace and justice.
Imperator Furiosa is a soldier under Immortan Joe who betrays him to release his female concubines, a.k.a “The Five Wives.” Before the apocalypse, Immortan Joe was a military colonel. Thus, someone has to be tougher than nails to earn his respect. That pretty well sums up Imperator Furiosa.
To earn the title of top imperator - a high-ranking officer and the only woman in Immortan Joe’s army, Imperator Furiosa, played by the Oscar winner,Charlize Theron, is intelligent, sympathetic, and an excellent and resilient fighter. As a result, she is a unique character who, at times, outshines the leading male,Mad Max, in terms of bravery and tenacity.
Shiv Roy -Succession
Shiv Roy, played bySarah Snook, is the media giant Logan Roy’s liberal and intelligent daughter, who feels she can run Waystar Royco better than anyone. At the beginning of the series, Shiv works as a political consultant to her father’s sworn nemesis, Gil Eavis, but she decides to leave to help with the family company.
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Shiv’s charming, decisive, and honest about what she knows and doesn’t know. Despite her lack of financial and business experience, Shiv boldly and bravely entersthe race for her father’s company’s succession. Growing up in a male-dominated environment has shaped Shiv into a man, even better.
Éowyn of Rohan -Lord of The RingsTrilogy
Éowyn, the king of Rohan’s niece, defeated the Witch King of the Nazgûl on her own. She is also a feminist icon with on of the franchise’s most killer quotes, “I am no man!” It’s one of the most memorable scenes inThe Return of the King,and it will be regarded as possibly the most pivotal moment for any female character in the trilogy.
RELATED:7 Things We’re Most Excited to See in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’Éowyn is utterly aware of her femininity. Rather than rejecting it and adopting male characteristics, she welcomes and acknowledges her sentiments. She is as outstanding and memorable as any male character in the trilogy for her bravery, perseverance, and persistence. She was portrayed beautifully by giftedMiranda Otto.
Some say Peggy Olson is theunofficial female lead ofMad Men, and they aren’t wrong. Peggy Olson is a modest Catholic girl from Brooklyn who works her way from a secretary to a copy supervisor at a prestigious ad agency in New York City.
Like other women in the workplace in the 1960s,Elizabeth Moss’sPeggy encountered various challenges from her male and female colleagues. Despite this, she did not yield to the conditions with a smoldering ambition and resilience, preferring to seize the chance and achieve her goal.
Princess Leia -Star WarsFranchise
After her mother died in childbirth, Leia Skywalker, the daughter of Jedi-turned-Sith-apprentice Anakin Skywalker and Princess Amidala of Naboo, was raised by Senator Bail Organa. Princess Leia played a significant role in the Empire’s demise, and she also served as a Resistance General against the First Order in the following years.
If Luke Skywalker was the prodigal hero and Han Solo was the gun-wielding antihero,Carrie Fisher’sLeia was the gang’s logical, diplomatic, and determined leader. Leia Organa is equal parts beauty and brains, always fighting for the underdogs, and isjust as badass as the franchise’s starring men.
Claire Underwood -House of Cards
Claire Underwood had only used her power in two areas throughout the first two seasons: the Clean Water Initiative and her own home. Later on, the audience witnesses Claire steadily rising to control and eventually assuming the role of President of the United States, following her husband’s resignation.
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Claire, played by brilliantRobin Wright, is the only individual who has proven to be Frank’s equal in cunning, ruthlessness, and ambition. Claire exceeds her husband in deceit since she is more clever in eliminating people and consolidating control, making her a formidable opponent in the game of power.
Hermione Granger -Harry Potter
Hermione Jean Granger is a member of the fabled trio. After surviving a few close calls with death during their first year at Hogwarts, she, Harry, and Ron became inseparable. Hermione established herself as the most clever witch of her generation, proving every prejudiced wizard incorrect about Muggleborns.
Emma Watson’sHermione was presented as a bossy know-it-all, but she grew into a strong and selfless heroine who demonstrated extraordinary bravery on numerous occasions. Hermione is an intimidating adversary in a fight, andher refined methods astound everyone.
Polly Gray -Peaky Blinders
Polly Gray, the fearsome matriarch of the Shelby clan, successfully maintained the fort while her boys were away at war. Even after Thomas returned and took leadership, she remained the driving force behind the company and his most trusted confidant.
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Polly, portrayed by the late talentedHelen McCrory, is an innovative, rugged, and sympathetic woman who is frequently the glue that ties the chaotic family together. Polly proves to anyone who crosses her that she is a powerful foe with unrivaled mental and emotional strength time and time again.
Rita Vrataski -Edge of Tomorrow
Tom Cruisemay be the leading man, but it’s undoubtedly Rita Vrataski is the film’s true star.Emily Bluntplayed the role of The Angel of Verdun, who was humanity’s first victory over the mimics. On her first day of the war, she killed hundreds, and a marketing campaign centered on her attracted millions more soldiers to the cause.
Rita is depicted as a severe, cold, and indifferent character. She prefers to be straightforward and avoid any emotional entanglements. However, her combat abilities are unrivaled, making her one redoubtable warrior in a male-dominated war.
